Why should I have to take the DMV knowledge test just because of my age? Roadshow

Q: I just received my driver’s license renewal notice and was surprised that I have to take the knowledge test again. I renewed my license five years ago and took the knowledge test then.

Prior to that, my license was renewed automatically without a test at least three times (five years each time). I have never had an accident in 60 years of driving.

Does the DMV require the knowledge test of all drivers over a certain age? If so, I think that is age discrimination. A person’s driving record should be the basis for having to take the knowledge test, not one’s age, in my opinion.

Suzanne Arnaud

A: Drivers 70 or older must appear in person to renew their driver’s license, as required by state law. They must take a vision test and may be required to take the knowledge exam. The DMV offers two online options for the knowledge exam.

More information on senior drivers is on the DMV website: dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/special-interest-driver-guides/senior-drivers/.

Q: Does Caltrans have plans to repave Highway 101 southbound, starting a third of a mile before the Lawrence Expressway exit and running for about 1½ miles? The asphalt on this stretch is failing across all lanes.

I drive a bus through here seven times a day, as well as my personal cars to commute. My bus has large chips in the windshield, as do both of my cars. I recently paid a $250 deductible to have my windshield replaced, but think it is just going to get cracked again, as I see and hear rocks flying here.

Bus window replacement is very expensive. Cars are getting damaged here daily. The problem is ridiculous.

Scott Freeman

A: Similar problems exist on Highway 101 in the Mountain View area and on El Camino Real on the peninsula. Until Caltrans crews can repave and do many other repairs after the rainy season, I’m afraid you’ll still have to watch out for flying rocks.

Q: I was on Highway 237 the other night and I thought a UFO was coming from the opposite direction, flying above traffic. It turned out to be a fire engine with a hunting-style bar of LED lights on top of the cab. Talk about being blinded by oncoming traffic. Are they supposed to drive with those lights on?

Ed King

A: These lights are legal.

Q: (Tongue in Cheek): Mr. R, I assume most video companies who shoot TV commercials are based in the LA area because of the movie industry. So as I watch new cars zooming along in ads, I find myself wondering, “To what state do the film crews travel to get a mile of smooth pavement?”

Gene Paschal, Danville